Diabetes Mellitus - impact on the oral cavity.

Dental
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Patients with diabetes frequently experience oral health issues that require prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve their quality of life. It’s important for both dentists and other healthcare professionals to recognize these problems, educate patients on oral health, and make referrals to dentists when necessary. Common oral issues include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Altered taste
  • Decayed teeth
  • Gum swelling and bleeding
  • Loose teeth
  • Tongue changes
  • Mouth infections like thrush and ulcers
  • Delayed healing
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Diabetes Mellitus can impact the oral cavity, increasing the risk of oral health issues. High blood sugar levels can lead to gum disease and periodontitis. Dry mouth (Xerostomia) can cause discomfort and increase tooth decay risk. Tooth decay is more common due to high sugar levels in saliva. Diabetes can impair the body’s ability to fight oral infections. Delayed healing is also a concern due to high blood sugar levels. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial for diabetes management.

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Patients often seek treatment for diabetes but unless and until there is discomfort or pain they don’t visit a dentist.
Dental education among diabetics is important to avoid the consequences and improved quality of life.

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Yes, I have come across many patients with periodontitis and calculus

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One has to know the effects of diabetes in the oral cavity.

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Dry mouth and oral infections. I’ve heard about these, also read all your replies helped me to put all those together. Would like to hear more.

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It is important to note that these issues are generally present in persons who have uncontrolled diabetes and the blood sugar levels are fluctuating and rather high. Otherwise, those patients who have been suffering from diabetes, but keeps it under control for a long time doesnt suffer from these issues.

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Patient with diabetes experience poor periodontal health conditions.

They experience bone loss, loose gums , gingivitis and periodontists.

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A very new information for me… thankyou so much.

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Informative!

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That’s really a very good insight.

It’s truly very important to diagnose all the side effects of the diabetes as it almost affects the all parts of the body.

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Thats so true. You mouth can tell so much about you body.

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Informative!

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Great information . Thanks for sharing .

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Patients need to understand that diabetes mellitus also impacts the oral cavity. Timely and periodic but regular dental checkups are equally important to prevent oral diseases.

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So what are the quick medicines that patient should take to avoid such condition @Dr.Nikhitha

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Keeping diabetes under control and regular dental check-ups help in preventing/worsening of the conditions.

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We were taught to always keep in mind these pointers while treating diabetic patients in dental settings during internship and they’ve helped me. Sharing them here-

Always check the patient’s blood sugar levels and HbA1c before planning treatment.
Diabetic patients can be safely managed with the right precautions and personalized care.
Schedule morning appointments after the patient has had breakfast and medications.
Consider pre-procedural antibiotics for poorly controlled diabetics undergoing surgical procedures.
If the patient has taken insulin or oral hypoglycemics without food, long procedures may lead to hypoglycemia. Always ask: “Have you eaten today?”

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Uncontrolled diabetes can result in periodontal problems like deep pockets, gingival recession and loose teeth.

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That’s insightful! Diabetes affects every region of our body without exception!!!